Automated syringe filler and loading apparatus

ABSTRACT

An automated method for the filling of syringes including the steps of holding an uncapped syringe in a vertical position with an exposed needle extending at the top. A horizontally rotatable plate holding inverted vials of liquid with needle perforatable septum is position above the needle. The motorized plate with the positioned vial descends on the needle perforating the septum. The syringe plunger can be lowered using a motorized plunger tool and drawing liquid into the syringe. The vial and plate can be elevated separating the needle from the septum. The plate can be optionally rotated to position a second vial above the needle. The needle, now filled with liquid, e.g., medicine can also be removed from the holder. The method can be combined with a cap extractor/installer component. The apparatus comprises a motor driven rotatable plate, a motorized syringe plunger tool. It can comprise a motor controlled rotating carousel.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of Ser. No. 13/068,745entitled Automated Syringe Filler and Loading Apparatus filed Mar. 23,2011 and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Use

The disclosure teaches a method and apparatus for automated filling ofsyringes. This includes automated filling of syringes withradiopharmaceuticals or other drugs.

2. Prior Art

Semi automated systems for filling syringes have been disclosed in theprior art including machines manufactured by Intellifill iv of FHT Inc.,Daytona Beach, Fla. and Radio Syringe Filling by M&O Perry Industries ofCorona, Calif.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

The apparatus subject of the disclosure can be used to prepare (fill)syringes containing liquids including pharmaceuticals orradiopharmaceutical without operator participation. The apparatus canalso be used to fill vials of solutions or mix solutions within a vial.When the solution is radioactive, the syringe filling operation can beperformed in a suitably shielded location for operator safety.

The capping, filling and recapping of the syringe needles is performedautomatically away from the operator, therefore eliminating any dangerof accidental needle sticks during the filling operation.

The disclosure outlines a series of automated steps performed by theapparatus or components of the apparatus. It will be appreciated thatthe sequence in which these steps are performed may be varied withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosed invention.

The syringes are filled while in an inverted position with thepharmaceutical, radiopharmaceutical, medication, radioisotopes or otherdrug or hazardous substance, hereinafter “solution”, positioned abovethe syringe. This allows for gravity vacuum feed of the solution. In aninverted position, the capped syringe needle is pointed up and thesyringe plunger is at the bottom. The empty syringes are loaded onto arotatable carousel or loaded individually into a single syringeadapter/holder. The carousel rotates a predetermined arc placing asyringe adjacent to a dispenser mechanism. The dispenser mechanismcontains an automated syringe plunger tool and a rotatable componentcontaining one or more inverted vials of solution and an automatedneedle cap extractor.

The syringe plunger tool may first engage the syringe plunger. Thesyringe plunger tool extends from the dispenser mechanism and engagesthe plunger of the syringe held in the carousel. This can secure thesyringe in a stationary position during removal and replacement of thesyringe cap and insertion of the needle into an inverted vial. It willbe appreciated that the syringe plunger extends from the bottom of thesyringe held in the carousel or single syringe adapter/holder.

The needle cap may next be removed from the syringe. The inverted vialrotates above the now exposed syringe needle. A vial of medication isaligned with the needle and the vial descends upon the needle and isperforated by the needle. The tool pulls the plunger down apredetermined distance. This causes a predetermined quantity of solutionto be dispensed from the vial into the syringe.

The inverted vial is re-elevated to its original position, the rotatableplate rotates and the syringe cap descends upon the needle.

The carousel again rotates a predetermined arc and places the now filledsyringe in front of an automated syringe extractor/inverter component.The syringe inverter component extends and grips the syringe and pullsit horizontally from the carousel. The gripper rotates the syringe aboutan horizontal axis such that the syringe needle is now pointed down andplaced in a holder. The filled syringe can be manually removed from thesyringe inverter component or placed in a further automated device. Inanother embodiment, the syringe is lifted from the carousel.

SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of theinvention. These drawings, together with the general description of theinvention given above and the detailed description of the preferredembodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 illustrates the carousel carrying the capped syringes. Alsoillustrated is the actuator housing rotating the carousel.

FIG. 2 illustrates the carousel actuator.

FIG. 3 illustrates the filler mechanism showing 3 vials and the needlecap extractor and placement component. The rotating plate on top of thefiller mechanism is also illustrated. Also illustrated is the syringeplunger tool.

FIG. 4 illustrates the filler mechanism holding a capped syringe withthe needle cap extractor positioned above the syringe needle cap. Theoptional single syringe holder is shown. Three inverted vials are alsoillustrated. The syringe plunger is shown compressed within the syringe.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the filler mechanism with theneedle cap extractor positioned above the capped syringe needle.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view showing the syringe cap removed and theexposed syringe needle. The syringe plunger tool is in position to pullthe syringe plunger downward.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the filler mechanism rotating platehaving rotated and positioned an inverted vial above the exposed needle.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the filler mechanism showing the syringeplunger tool in position to move the syringe plunger downward. Alsoillustrated is the vial having moved downward onto the exposed syringeneedle.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing the syringe plunger tool having moveddownward pulling the syringe plunger down and causing the syringe tofill from the vial.

FIG. 10 illustrates the needle cap extractor (with the syringe cap)having rotated over the syringe needle.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the rotating plate containing theneedle cap extractor descending upon the needle (replacing the syringecap).

FIG. 12 is a side view showing the rotating plate and needle capextractor elevating above the now capped and filled syringe.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rotating top of the fillermechanism showing three vials and the needle cap extractor. Alsoillustrated is the rotating syringe plunger tool.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the automated syringe invertercomponent.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the three components subject of thedisclosure, i.e., the rotating carousel, the filler mechanism and theautomated syringe inverter component.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the automated syringe invertercomponent with an inverted syringe (cap side down) placed in a holder.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the needle cap extractor (with the syringecap) with the exterior covers.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the needle cap extractor (with the syringecap) without the exterior covers, illustrating the modified pinion andrack subcomponents for gripping the syringe cap and the direction ofmotion of the extractor and the rotating pinion.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the needle cap extractor (with the syringecap) without the exterior covers, showing movement of the rack rotatingthe pinion which grips the syringe cap.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the gripper subcomponent and jaws of theautomated syringe inverter component.

FIG. 21, a top view of the gripper subcomponent without the exteriorcovers, illustrates the direction of movement for opening and closingthe gripper jaws and the direction of lateral movement of the grippersubcomponent.

FIG. 22, a top view of the gripper subcomponent without the exteriorcovers, illustrates the gripper subcomponent with the gripper jaws in aclosed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject of this disclosure is an automated apparatus for fillingsyringes. The syringes can be filled with radiopharmaceuticals or othersubstances. The filling can be performed without handling by humanoperators or technicians. Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactivepharmaceuticals and can be used in the field of nuclear medicine astracers in the treatment and diagnosis of many diseases.Radiopharmaceuticals include, but are not limited to, [N13] ammonia,[F-18] sodium fluoride, or [F-18] Fludeoxyglucose ([F-18] FDG).

The process starts with a rotatable carousel 110 having a plurality ofslots or holders 111 containing capped empty syringes 211 being placedon a motorized rotating holder (carousel) removeably mounted on acarousel actuator. In one embodiment, the carousel 110 is placed on thecarousel actuator 105 and rotated 45 degrees to attach it to theactuator 105. In another embodiment, the plunger tool or other mechanismactuate the carousel removing pins 193. The pins push the carousel up afew millimeters to break the force of the coupling magnets 192. Thecarousel may then be easily removed from the carousel actuator. SeeFIG. 1. The rotational movement can be controlled. The controller forthe rotating holder and the other components described below can beperformed by a CPU or similar device containing programmable media.

Referring to FIG. 2, the carousel actuator 105 is illustrated. Shown arethe carousel track rollers 191, carousel presence sensor 196, syringecarousel locking pin 195, coupling mechanism 192, syringe carouselremoval pins 193, and rotating shaft 194. In one embodiment, thecarousel locking pin 195 serves to lock the carousel in place. When thepin is actuated up, it fits into the carousel holes. This functionprotects the mechanism when the syringe extractor/inverter extracts thesyringe. The syringe carousel removal pins 193 push the carousel up toreduce the force needed to release the coupling mechanism 192,

The syringes are placed in the carousel with the capped ends pointedupward and the syringe plungers pushed into the syringe with the plungerends extending from the bottom of each syringe. Each syringe is held inan individual holder 111 of the carousel. In one embodiment, thesyringes are not grasped or held in the individual holder of thecarousel. It is possible to lift or pull the syringe horizontally out ofthe carousel without the release of any mechanism. Each syringe is heldvertically in the carousel.

The carousel rotates in a controlled fashion. The carousel actuator canbe mounted on a common base 148 of the filler (dispenser) mechanism 149.See FIG. 13. This can ensure the proper distance relationship ismaintained between the carousel and the filler mechanism and syringeinverter/extractor. Referring to FIG. 3, the carousel is positioned inconjunction with the filler mechanism so that the needle 202 held in thecarousel stops under a top rotating plate 156 holding at least one vialof solution 158, e.g., radioisotopes, and an automated needle capextractor 157. In one embodiment, the movement of the carousel rotationcan be controlled by a step motor. In another embodiment, the rotationalmovement can be controlled by a computer controlled servo-motor. In yetanother embodiment, the carousel can be manually rotated. The disclosureincludes the ability to stop the rotation of the carousel beneath theautomated needle cap extractor or inverted vial. When stopped, a syringeis positioned below the needle cap extractor. When stopped a filledsyringe may also be positioned in a carousel slot front of the syringeinverter/extractor component as discussed below.

Referencing FIG. 8, at this time, a separate syringe plunger tool 171may be rotated horizontally forward and engages with the plunger 221 ofthe inverted syringe. This movement is illustrated by vector arrow 978in FIG. 13. This engagement occurs at the bottom of the carousel. Thesyringe plunger tool rotates about component 172. See FIG. 7. It will beappreciated that FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the optional single syringeholder mount.

FIG. 3 illustrates the filler mechanism 149 comprised of at least onevial 158, vial holder 159, automated needle cap extractor 157, syringepresence and size sensors 160 and 161 (e.g., 3 ml and 5 ml) and barcodereader window 162. Also illustrated is an optional single syringe holdermount 163. (The optional single syringe holder mount is removed foroperation of the carousel with the filler mechanism.) Also disclosed isa syringe 211 and the syringe plunger tool 171. Finally, the toprotating plate 156 is disclosed holding at least one inverted vial 158and a needle cap extractor 157.

Referencing FIG. 4, the disclosure also includes the ability of the toprotating plate 156 of the filler mechanism 149 to position the automatedneedle cap extractor 157 above a capped syringe 211 (with cap 201)positioned vertically in a slot of the carousel or in the illustratedoptional single syringe holder 163. Further, the motor may rotate thetop rotating plate to move the automated needle cap extractor from theposition over the syringe and replace the extractor/installer with avial of solution. In another embodiment, the vial may be empty and thecontents of the syringe are added to the vial as discussed morethoroughly below. The horizontal direction of rotation of the rotatingplate is shown by vector arrow 977. In one embodiment, the rotatingplate rotates in one direction. In another embodiment, the rotatingplate can rotate in both directions (clockwise and counter clockwise).In one embodiment, the vial 158 is inverted and the contents held by aseptum. The septum surface is opposite the upward pointed needle. FIG. 4illustrates three inverted vials 158, 169, 170.

FIG. 17 illustrates a detailed side view of the needle cap extractor157. Illustrated are the covers covering the several subcomponents. FIG.18 illustrates the subcomponents of the needle cap extractor 157. Thesubcomponent is in an access position, i.e., the modified pinion 302 ispositioned so the flat surface 307 is directed to the cap holding space308. Illustrated is a sensor 301 that detects the presence of a cap inthe extracted or installation position. The sensor can be used toconfirm the extraction or installation operation was successful. When acap is detected, the solenoid actuator 305 can be signaled to move in anupward direction (vector arrow 982). This movement causes the modifiedpinion 307 to rotate (vector arrow 983) bringing the edge of the pinioninto contact with the surface of the syringe cap 201. This contact 309is shown in FIG. 19. This contact holds the cap in place when the needlecap extractor is elevated upward (vector arrow 976) as shown in FIG. 10.A spring 306 can be utilized to push the rack forward (vector arrow 981)to rotate the modified pinion whereby the flat (modified) edge 307 ofthe pinion faces the access space. In order to release the needle cap, aspring 306 can be utilized to push the rack forward (vector arrow 981)to rotate the modified pinion whereby the flat (modified) edge 307 facesthe access space.

The disclosure further includes the top rotating plate 156 having thecapability to rotate 360 degrees and to move vertically up and down. Therotating plate 156 first rotates the automated needle cap extractor 157above the syringe cap 201. See FIG. 5. The rotational movement is shownby vector arrow 977 in FIG. 13. FIG. 4 illustrates the up and downmovement of the rotating plate with vector arrow 975/976. This up anddown movement is used in the extraction of the syringe cap 201 from thesyringe 211, thereby exposing the vertically oriented syringe needle202. See FIGS. 5 and 6. The top rotating plate moves the automatedneedle cap extractor down over the syringe cap and the automated needlecap extractor 157 grasps the cap 201. The top rotating plate moves theautomated needle cap extractor vertically upward (976 in FIG. 10) toexpose the syringe needle 202. The operation of the automated needle capextractor is driven by a solenoid. In another embodiment, one motor maybe used to operate the cylindrical linear (vertical) movement actuator155 and a second motor rotates the top rotating plate 156 on the axis ofrotation. In one embodiment, the vertical motion is propelled by atleast one vertical leg 155. There may be a central vertical leg thatoccupies the axis of rotation.

The syringe needle 202 is now exposed (cap removed). See FIG. 7. Theinverted vial descends as shown by vector arrow 975 in FIG. 8. Thevertical motion of the rotating plate 156 at the top of the fillermechanism can be used to control the descending motion. The verticallyoriented needle pierces the septum of the vial 158. The open end of theneedle 202 is now surrounded by solution. See FIG. 8. It will beappreciated that the rotating plate can hold one or more inverted vials.Illustrated in the Figures here is a rotating plate holding 3 invertedvials. Mounting more than 3 vials is possible and included within thescope of this invention.

Recall that in one embodiment, the syringe plunger tool has engaged thesyringe plunger. This can be the initial step of the fill sequence. Thesyringe plunger tool facilitates holding the vertically oriented syringein a centered position when the automated needle cap extractor descendsupon the cap. When engaged by suitable forward horizontal movement, thesyringe plunger tool is then pushed downward (vertically) causing thesyringe plunger to be pulled down a predetermined distance. Thisdownward/vertical movement is shown by vector arrow 980 in FIG. 9. Thiscauses a vacuum to be created in the body of the syringe 211 and thesolution in the inverted vial 158 to be drawn down through the needle202 into the syringe. The quantity of solution placed in the syringe canbe controlled.

The syringe is now filled. The cap needs to be placed back on top of thesyringe. See FIG. 10. The rotational plate 156 at the top of thedispenser mechanism is first elevated. This removes the needle from theseptum. The rotatable plate is rotated to place the automated needle capextractor 157 over the syringe needle 202. The motor then lowers theautomated needle cap extractor containing the needle cap 201 over theneedle. The cap extractor is lowered by the rotational plate 156lowering as shown by vector arrow 975. The cap is released andreattached to the needle.

When the cap is reattached to the syringe 211, the syringe plunger tool171 can be rotated back horizontally. (See item 171 and vector arrow 978of FIG. 13.) The needle cap extractor can hold the syringe in place whenthe syringe plunger tool is rotated back horizontally. The syringeplunger tool can then be elevated by motor operation to its originalposition. See FIG. 4 illustrating the initial position of the syringeplunger tool.

The automated needle cap extractor is then elevated by the motor movingthe rotational plate upward in the direction of vector arrow 976. SeeFIGS. 11 and 12.

The carousel can now rotate to bring an empty inverted syringe to theposition beneath the automated needle cap extractor. The process isrepeated of (i) engaging the syringe plunger tool with the syringeplunger (ii) cap removal, (iii) repositioning of the inverted vial, (iv)lowering of the vial onto the exposed needle, (v) moving the plungerdown to fill the syringe with solution from the vial, (vi), elevatingthe inverted vial, (vii) repositioning the automated needle capextractor, (viii) reattachment of the cap to the syringe, and (ix)disengagement of the syringe plunger tool. It will be appreciated thepreceding sentence omits steps for brevity. These steps are describedabove or illustrated in the drawings.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the filler mechanism 149. Alsoshown is the common base 148 upon which the rotating carousel actuator(not shown) can be mounted. The direction of rotation of the rotationalplate 156 is also illustrated by vector arrow 977. The direction ofrotation of the syringe plunger tool 171 is shown by vector arrow 978.

The next step performed by the apparatus is removing the filled syringefrom the carousel and re-inverting the syringe so that the syringe capis facing down. This task is accomplished by syringe inverter/extractor249 illustrated in FIG. 14.

The carousel stops at a predetermined position in conjunction with theautomated syringe inverter/extractor component. (This position of thecarousel may simultaneously position another syringe, held by thecarousel, directly beneath the automated cap extractor/installer. Itwill be appreciated that this positioning will allow two steps of theapparatus to occur simultaneously, i.e., filling of a syringe andextraction and inversion of a syringe from the carousel.) The syringeinverter/extractor can be attached to the dispenser mechanism ordispenser mechanism base by mount 250. See FIG. 15. This mechanism canensure the correct distance relationship is maintained with thecarousel. The component includes a motor 251 for rotational movement ofa syringe gripper and a mechanism enclosure 252. The component alsoincludes a second motor to move the syringe gripper forward and agripper actuator to open and close the gripper jaws. The syringe grippermoves on a shaft/linear actuator 120. The gripper includes a gripperactuator 117. The gripper jaws 118 close on the syringe (not shown). Thesyringe is pulled horizontally out of the carousel. The syringe grippercomponent moves backward and forward on the shaft 120. At apredetermined distance the gripper actuator and jaws rotate 180 degreeson the shaft and place the syringe into a holder 127. It will beappreciated that the syringe cap will be in the down position in theholder. See syringe 200 in holder 127 in FIG. 16. The syringe may beremoved from the holder either manually or through use of a separateautomated device.

In another embodiment, the syringe inverter/extractor can be used toremove a filled syringe from the carousel and place the syringe in ashielded container thereby protecting the operator.

FIG. 20 illustrates a top view of the syringe gripper sub-component 117.Also illustrated are the gripper jaws 118. FIG. 21 illustrates thesub-component with the covers removed. Illustrated is the solenoidactuator 121 that moves the sub-component forward and backward on theshaft (not shown). The gripper body may contain hinge or pivotingsub-components in the gripper body 122 that cause the jaws 118 to pivotopen and close. The hinge mechanism can be screw driven, a rack andpinion mechanism, or similar mechanism. The sub-component can include aspring 123 that pushes the actuator shaft 124 forward (vector arrow 985)to hold the jaws in an open position as the default position. Thesolenoid actuator may control the motion gripper in the reversedirection on the shaft (vector arrow 984).

It will also be appreciated that the apparatus may be configured toplace the filled syringes into another rotating carousel for storagewhile the second carousel is filled without operator intervention. Itwill also be appreciated that the entire filing operation can beconducted in a shielded area. Other configurations with either thesyringe cap up or down are within the scope of and included within thisdisclosure.

In another embodiment, the filled syringes can stay in the carousel andthe entire carousel replaced by the operator with a replacement carouselof empty syringes.

In yet another embodiment, the syringes may be partially filled withsolution when placed in the carousel and filled with additional solutionby the filler mechanism.

The filler mechanism 149 can also be used to add solution to one or morevials from syringes containing solution. This process is basically thereverse of the syringe filling sequence. The syringe plunger tool isengaged with the syringe plunger. The syringe cap is removed by theautomated needle cap extractor 157. The vertical motion of the rotatingplate 156 at the top of the filler mechanism can also be used to liftthe needle cap extractor. The rotating plate 156 can then horizontallyrotate an inverted vial above the now exposed syringe needle. The vialcan be lowered onto the needle. The syringe plunger tool can be elevatedvertically, thereby pushing the syringe plunger upward. The solutionwithin the syringe is discharged into the vial.

The filler mechanism can also be used to mix solutions within a vial.See FIG. 7. An empty syringe can be filled with a predetermined quantityof a first solution from a first vial 158 using the procedure describedpreviously. The first vial can be lifted from the syringe needle 202.The rotating plate can rotate a second vial 169 above the exposedsyringe needle. The second vial containing a second solution can belowered onto the syringe needle. The syringe plunger tool 171 can beelevated, thereby pushing the syringe plunger upward and discharging thesolution into the second vial. The quantity of solution in the secondvial can also be predetermined.

In addition, this specification is to be construed as illustrative onlyand is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the mannerof carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms ofthe invention herein shown and described are to be taken as thepresently preferred embodiments. As already stated, various changes maybe made in the shape, size and arrangement of components or adjustmentsmade in the steps of the method without departing from the scope of thisinvention. For example, equivalent elements may be substituted for thoseillustrated and described herein and certain features of the inventionmaybe utilized independently of the use of other features, all as wouldbe apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of thisdescription of the invention.

While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerousmodifications are possible without departing from the spirit of theinvention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope ofthe accompanying claims.

1. An automated method for the filling of syringes comprising: a)placing a syringe in a vertical position wherein the needle of thesyringe is on top beneath a rotatable and elevatable horizontal platewherein the horizontal plate comprises at least one inverted vialcontaining a liquid; b) the inverted vial containing a liquid in a firstposition above the syringe needle; c) lowering the horizontal plate to asecond position sufficient for the needle to penetrate a septum of theinverted vial; and d) raising the horizontal plate to the firstposition.
 2. The automated method of claim 1 further comprising using asyringe plunger tool horizontally and vertically moving from a thirdposition to a fourth position engaging the syringe plunger in the fourthposition and pulling the syringe plunger downward a controlled distanceto a fifth position while the horizontal plate is in the secondposition.
 3. The automated method of claim 2 further comprising a)rotating the horizontal plate to a sixth position placing a secondinverted vial above the syringe needle; b) lowering the horizontal plateto a seventh position sufficient for the syringe needle to penetrate aseptum of the second inverted vial; and lowering the syringe plunger ofthe syringe to a ninth position to add liquid to the syringe; and c)raising the horizontal plate to the sixth position.
 4. The automatedmethod of claim 3 further comprising a) rotating the horizontal plate toan tenth position placing a third inverted vial above the syringeneedle; b) lowering the horizontal plate sufficient for the needle topenetrate the septum of the third inverted vial; and c) raising thesyringe plunger to discharge the contents of the syringe into the thirdinverted vial.
 5. The automated method of claim 4 further comprisingusing a pivoting syringe plunger tool to push the syringe plungerupward.
 6. The automated method of claim 3 further comprising addingliquid from one or more additional vials to the syringe and continuingto extend the syringe plunger downward.
 7. An automated method for thefilling of syringes comprising: a) placing a syringe in verticalposition wherein the cap of the syringe is on top beneath a rotatableand elevatable horizontal plate comprising a syringe capextractor/installer and at least two inverted vials; b) gripping thesyringe cap with components of the syringe cap extractor/installer in afirst position; c) elevating the syringe cap extractor/installer to asecond position gripping the syringe cap to remove the cap from thesyringe; d) rotating the horizontal plate to a third position wherein afirst inverted vial is positioned above the uncapped syringe needle; e)lowering the horizontal plate to a fourth position sufficient for theuncapped needle to penetrate a septum of the first inverted vial; f)lowering a plunger of the syringe to a fifth position; g) raising thehorizontal plate to the third position;
 8. The automated method of claim7 further comprising the steps of: a) rotating the horizontal plate to asixth position positioning a second vial above the uncapped needle; b)lowering the vial to a seventh position sufficient that the needlepenetrates a septum of the second vial; c) raising the syringe plungerto an eighth position to discharge contents of the syringe into thesecond vial.
 9. The automated method of claim 8 further comprising a)rotating the horizontal plate to a ninth position where a third invertedvial containing a liquid is positioned over the uncapped needle or asecond uncapped syringe; b) lowering the horizontal plate to a tenthposition sufficient that the needle penetrates the septum of the thirdinverted vial; c) lowering the syringe plunger a predetermined distancesufficient to draw liquid from the third inverted vial into the syringe;d) raising the horizontal plate to the ninth position; e) rotating theplate to the sixth position to position the second vial above theuncapped needle; f) lowering the horizontal plate to a seventh positionsufficient that the needle penetrates a septum of the second vial; g)raising the syringe plunger to the eighth position to discharge liquidof the syringe into the second vial.
 10. The automated method of claim 7further comprising adding liquid from at least one additional invertedvial positioned on the horizontal plate.
 11. An apparatus for automatedfilling of syringes comprising: a) a syringe holder component whereinthe syringe needle is pointed vertically upward; b) a rotatable andelevatable plate horizontally oriented that can be lowered and elevatedin relation to the syringe needles; c) a motor controlling the rotationand elevation/depression of the rotatable plate; and d) inverted vialholder components radially oriented on the rotatable and elevatableplate.
 12. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes of claim 11further comprising a syringe holder component comprising a motorizedcontrollably turnable carousel wherein the carousel comprises aplurality of syringe holders.
 13. The apparatus for automated filling ofsyringes of claim 12 further comprising a CPU or similar devicecontaining programmable media in communication with at least the motorscontrolling the rotatable and elevatable plate and turnable carousel.14. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes further comprising asyringe cap extractor/installer.
 15. The apparatus for automated fillingof syringes wherein the syringe cap extractor/installer furthercomprises: a) a rack and modified pinion; b) a cap access space; and c)a motor device.
 16. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes ofclaim
 13. comprising a carousel wherein the rotational movement of thecarousel can be controlled by a step motor.
 17. The apparatus forautomated filling of syringes of claim 13 wherein the rotationalmovement of the carousel can be controlled by a computer controlledservo-motor.
 18. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes ofclaim 13 wherein a motor controlled horizontally and verticallyextendable syringe plunger tool that can elevate or lower a syringeplunger.
 19. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes of claim 18wherein the syringe plunger tool is controlled by a CPU or similardevice containing programmable media.